Three new cases of Coronavirus confirmed in Greater Manchester

There have been three new cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) confirmed in Greater Manchester today, according to Public Health England.

Two more cases of the virus have been confirmed in Bury, whilst another case has been confirmed in Bolton.

This has taken the total number of cases in the North West up to six, following an earlier positive test in Wirral today, which closed a school in West Kirby, and other cases in Bury and Buxton.

The two people who have tested positive for the virus in Bury caught the disease after coming into contact with someone diagnosed with the virus this weekend. Public Health England have said that the resident from Bolton caught the virus whilst on holiday in Italy.

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Dr Will Welfare, Interim Deputy Director, Health Protection for Public Health England North West, said: "Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed cases.

"This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public."

In a joint statement, Director of Public Health for Bury Council, Lesley Jones and Director of Public Health for Bolton Council, Dr Helen Lowey said: "We would like to send our best wishes to those affected as they continue their recovery.

"Bolton and Bury have robust infection control arrangements in place and strong partnership arrangements across the health and care system."

The total number of cases in the UK is currently at 51.